DERBY County are well placed to ward off any unwanted approaches for their players during the January transfer window, according to head of football operations Chris Evans.
The Rams are currently top of the Championship table as they attempt to reach the Premier League.
There was interest in several Derby players over the summer after the team narrowly missed out on promotion in the play-off final.
However, the club managed to keep hold of all of their most prized assets, rewarding them with new long-term contracts.
Rams stars may well come under the spotlight again in the new year but Evans does not see why anyone would want to leave right now.
"In football, there is a lot going on behind the scenes," he said.
"But I feel that if you treat players well and if they feel valued, as ours do – because we've given them the contracts they deserve – if they're happy and come to work with smiles on their faces and if they feel Steve McClaren is the man who is going to take us to where we need to be, why on earth would anybody want to leave Derby County?
"We hope to take them to the ultimate place where all players want to be and we're working hard to achieve that goal."
Part of Evans' job, though, is to prepare for every eventuality.
"I also feel that every day, you have to conduct a risk assessment," he said.
"I have to assume that at all times, a 'predator' is looking to take X, Y or Z and you have to be ready for all scenarios.
"My role is to provide football players to this club and I believe we're in a very strong position to provide Steve with options that can help to take us forward."
Despite Derby's current lofty position in the League, Evans and his officers, along with head coach McClaren and chief executive Sam Rush, are still looking to strengthen the squad wherever possible.
"I know from the meetings I have with Steve who we're looking for in January," said Evans.
"I think we have to recognise that, yes, we are in a good position and deservedly so.
"But equally, at all times, we're looking to make sure we've got the strength in depth.
"And recruitment isn't just something that happens in windows – it's happening on an ongoing basis.
"You've got to give respect to the squad and things are looking pretty good.
"But equally, it would be amiss to think that we've arrived, because we haven't.
"We've got many challenges ahead of us and Steve, more than anybody, is well aware of that.
"He will continue to exert pressures on me and Sam, which we both value.
"Sam and I are constantly looking to develop the squad for Steve."
Evans hinted that the Rams may look to utilise the loan market once again.
"That is one of the areas which is significant for us," he said.
"Look at the likes of George Thorne, Patrick Bamford, Michael Keane, Omar Mascarell, Jordon Ibe – those are high level players.
"We weren't the guinea pigs for any one of those players. They had all had significant experience relative to their age.
"I believe that we should know every under-21 player in England and I believe our officers do."
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
